Follow the Flag

Week of 26 February for the first time on any stage. A gigantic Moss Empires Production, "Follow the Flag" by William J. Wilson. 13 Superb scenes, stupendous cast includes: Walter Passmore the great Comedian, 100 beauty chorus. Twice nightly 6.40 and 8.50. (St Helens Examiner - Saturday 24 February 1917)

In this new production the Moss Empire Ltd. staged at the Olympia, Liverpool, on Wednesday 28th February a very entertaining, amusing, and pretty addition to our present stock of revues. In the matter of novelty of incidence and in richness of design there is not too close an approximation in the many preceding revues that Moss Empire Ltd. and other notable producers have put on. William J. Wilson the producer and designer of "Follow the Flag" leads along no new paths of glorified spectacular splendour, a great deal of the revue being rural. It moves along the primrose path of country prettiness in the charming scenes of rustic beauty by H.S.Kelly, rather than the spectacularly bizarre in dazzle, glitter and opulent stage effect. Leading off with a front-of-the-tabs "Forewood" nobly sung by Rosie Reys, we open into what is the best truly revue scene in the production, an Estaminet in France. There is a flavour and a real atmosphere of this very full and racy scene. "A Station in Paris" is also in the true spirit of revue, and the group up the ladder-like train indicator is one of effective staging which strike the distinctive note. After these two admirable displays we become rural and domestic, and most acceptable humour dwells therein. There are the Garden Wall, Over the Garden Wall, the Front of the Front, Somewhere in Somerset, and a Scotch Village, for instance. The climate of the production comes in a beautiful scheme of colour formation and delightful groupings and evolutions, glowingly materialised in a Vision of Empire and its Anyotheosis. If in limiting the number of scenes, which are usually costly and gorgeous, regard has been paid to present stringent circumstances, then the management are to be congratulated upon a production which is sufficiently good without over-elaboration or extravagant splendour. The songs are plentiful and pleasant in character. Rosie Reys has several in "Miss Britain," "The Red Cross Maid," and "Follow the Flag." Two companion songs "From Someone in France," and "To Someone in Somerset'" are a sweet haven of sentiment in the piece, and are delightfully rendered by Sydney Moorhouse and Madge Vincent. The words are by Harold Robe who has written almost the whole of the lyrics and Charles Cowlrick. "Flappers Three" is a comic vocal interlude in which Walter Passmore, Wilson James, and George Belmore mightily amuse the audience. "Oop to Lancashire" is well worked by Maud Dupre and chorus, sung after an "Apache Dance" cleverly if realistically executed by Green and Ellis. One or two Scottish items by Billy Walters finds ready humour. "The Girl in the Gingham Gown" is a nice number, brightly rendered by Madge Vincent and Sydney Moorhouse; and a scarecrow dance by Jim Marba and Brownie, is diverting. Walter Passmore is the lead in comedians, and he brings a great deal of humour to the performance, well strengthened by George Belmore, Wilson James, Billy Walters, and Charles Emerald. The music is almost wholly written by Herman Darewski, with interpolations by Harold Robe and Charles Cowlrick, while the book is by Marriott Edgar. Specialities are provided by Leo Ray, Billy Walters, Charles Emerald, and Dupre, Green and Ellis, and Eva Barnes' Troupe of Twelve Rubies. The opening performance was honoured by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, and the night's proceeds were handed over to the Lord Mayor's Fund in aid of Alder Hey Hospital.

Only three days old, plays to full capacity at Olympia both houses Saturday. Instantaneous and emphatic Success of William J. Wilson's Colossal and Unprecedented Revue. Book by Marriott Edgar, Lyrics by Marriott Edgar and Harold Robe. Songs Include Red Cross Maid, Flappers Three, Oop to Lancaster, Nothing But Eyes. Verdict of the Press The Liverpool Courier says: In "Follow the Flag" we have the art of revue-making carried to a point of excellence which has hitherto not been attained; in its material, and the employment of the same, leaving far behind some examples which have hitherto passed muster for the revue type. The Liverpool Post and Mercury says: There is nothing patchy in the show; it maintains throughout a consistent level of merit which prevents the interest from flagging during any of the thirteen scenes. Spectacularly the revue is super gorgeous. The settings are all on a lavish scale, without the garish glitter which finds such favour with many producers. A vote of thanks is due to the producers for having put forward an elaborate revue without having resort to a scene in which the chorus is brought among the audience. Other up to date producers might do well to note this. From the Liverpool Express - "Follow the Flag" certainly justifies its claim to being a super spectacular revue, for it is well in advance of anything of the kind ever presented to Merseyside theatregoers. "Follow the Flag" is not only an artistic triumph as a spectacle; it also has the merit of being bang up to date in its conception. The Liverpool Echo - Liverpool's first night passed off successfully, and the big revue, 'Follow the Flag' was given a hearty welcome. The Sunday Chronicle says: - Scope is afforded for elaborate scenic display and W.J. Wilson, the producer, has used it lavishly but judiciously, preserving continuity and restraint, yet achieving brilliant effects. Scenes: The Estaminet, Station in Paris - as it might be, The Garden Wall, Over the Garden Wall, the Front of the Front, Somewhere in Somerset, A Scotch Village, Lawyers Office. Tableaux - Builders of Empire, and Apotheosis of Empire Effects - Allies Escalade, Instantaneous Change from Trench to Farm, May Tableau with Blended Flag Backing, Empire Capes. A record triumph. Playing to crowded and enthusiastic houses, Olympia Liverpool. (The Era- Wednesday 07 March 1917)

The big revue "'Follow the Flag" was given a hearty welcome at the Olympia. The war scenes in which the comedians is Tommies in Estaminet, station, and trench and over the footlights scene of the real humour which has formed the subject of so much vivacious writing from the front are admirable. A story in which following the flag is the central idea without descending to spurious patriotic drivel. (Liverpool Echo Tuesday 13 March 1917) The new Moss Empire revue "Follow the Flag" at Olympia is fully equal to any of its mammoth predecessors. The story by Marriott Edgar embraces the fighting line in Flanders and the hills and dales of England and includes many topical hits. By the way scope is afforded for elaborate scenes and play, and W.J.Wilson the producer has produced lavishly, achieving brilliant effects. Judging from the big audiences nightly Liverpool's Follow the Flag at Olympia achieves a very extensive run. (Sunday Chronicle 11 March 1917)

Wilson James, who has hitherto been principally associated with the concert party world, has made a great success in the Liverpool revue, "Follow the Flag," in which he appears in a number of characters. He has never before played in a revue, but his wide experience on the concert platform would appear to have constituted a rare grounding process, as a local critic puts it. (The Stage - Thursday 22 March 1917)

After a most successful run William J. Wilson's fine production, "Follow the Flag," closes its Olympia season on Saturday. Liverpool has admired this big show to the full, and the audiences have revelled in the keen and unflagging humour of Walter Passmore, aided and abetted by the broader fun of Charles Emerald. (The Stage - Thursday 29 March 1917)

Staffordshire Sentinel - Saturday 07 April 1917)

The Moss Empires production "Follow the Flag" is being presented. The comedians, including that clever artist Walter Passmore, have only the slenderest of material to work upon. From a spectacular point of view the show rises above the average. The singing of Rosie Reys is very pleasing. (The Stage - Thursday 19 April 1917)

Miss Grace Gordon who appears in the new revue, "Follow the Flag," at the Leeds Empire next week. Her scene is one of the most diverting episodes of modern revue comedy. (Leeds Mercury - Friday 13 April 1917)

Mr William J. Wilson's great revue "Follow the Flag" will be seen in London for the first time on Monday next at the New Cross Empire. The motif is, as may be gleaned from the title, patriotic, but with an absence of jingoism. "Follow the Flag" has had a month's trial run at Liverpool, where it was enthusiastically received. The cast is a powerful one, including Walter Passmore, the eminent Savoyard. (Pall Mall Gazette - Saturday 05 May 1917)

On Monday, May 7, 1917 was produced here for the first time in London, a spectacular patriotic revue, ini eight scenes devised and produced by William J. Wilson, the book by Marriott Edgar, music by Herman Darewski, lyrics Marriott Edgar and Harold Robe with interpolated numbers by Harry Robe and Charles Cowlrick, entitled "Follow the Flag." "Follow the Flag" which visits London for the first time this week after a most successful month's run at Liverpool is drawing large crowds to the New Cross Empire. William J. Wilson the deviser and producer has already made attractive revue features to his creation and in the present piece he has fully availed himself of the ripe opportunities offered by the author's pleasing blend of patriotic scenes and sentiment and sense of general fun. There is an excellent French Estaminet scene for instance in which much is made, while the set showing a Station in Paris (as it might be seen) is full of attraction. Possibly however the most taking feature of the production is that concerned with a mechanical change from Somewhere in France to Somewhere in Somerset the happy device by which the drabness of the trenches is changed into English summer green at the blow of the stage manager's whistle. There is also an effective finale called The Apotheosis Empire in which a number of young ladies weave the colonial banners that are bearing into a huge Union Jack, before that happens there is much entertaining matter of an entirely different character. "Follow the Flag" in fact does not always remind one of the war although it never allows one to forget it, if the phrase may be allowed. Scenes called Over the Garden Wall, and a Lawyers Office are full of boisterous fun, and there is always the tuneful well-conceived music of Herman Darewski at hand to heighten the enjoyment of the audience. The scenery, by H. Kelly and Bruce Smith is bright and attractive, and the costumes are delightful and never out of the picture. "Follow the Flag" in short is obviously out for West End presentation, and should not be long before it reaches charmed circle around Charing Cross, that is needed is a little elaboration its present form and compass that should be easy to accomplish, the material is there. The chorus is capital. Walter Passmore the well-known Savoyard, is vastly amusing throughout as a soldier named Jerry Noggins, a washer-lady named Mrs. Noggins, as a pseudo-lawyer, and certainly most of the humour of the piece falls to his lot. He has well-chosen associates Wilson James, and W. Page, the first named gentleman particularly distinguishing himself as an aristocratic vato, a gendarme, a garrulous woman, and a padre; whilst Sydney Moorhouse, who sings the excellent "From Somewhere in France" to "Somewhere in Somerset" number is greatly appreciated as a young officer. Rosie Reys, Maudie Francis, and Gladys Nelson, among the ladies act and sing to cordial satisfaction; and Leo Ray is clever in juvenile parts. The rest of the cast includes Steve Frayne, Harry Stevenson, Josephine Dent, Gladys Gordon, "Brownie" , Hinton Jones and others; and among the special features and songs calling for praiseworthy mention are "The Foreword," by Rosie Reys, "The Kilties'" sung by Steve Frayne, "The Red Cross Maid" (Harold Robe and Herman Darewski) and sung by Rosie Reys; "The Allies Patrol" (Harold Robe and Charles Cowlrick), by Gladys Nelson; "Eyes" (Darewski), by Matt Francis and Leo Ray; an amazing trio "Flappers Three," for walter Passmore, Wilsono James, and W. Page; "Oop to Lancasheer," by tje Sisters Graham; "If I Knew That You Knew That I Loved You" by Maudie Francis and Leo Ray; and "Follow the Flag," by Rosie Reys and Sydney Moorhouse. An Apache scene by Green and Ellis, and a signalling drill by Leo Ray and chorus are also much admired. Mr. Cass Downinig is the musical director for the production, and a word of praise is due to the stage managers, Messrs. Claude Harvey and Harold Robe. (The Stage - Thursday 10 May 1917)

"Follow the Flag" the largest provincially produced revue yet staged, and the latest conception of Mr. William J. Wilson, will occupy the boards of the Empire. It is a patriotic national revue, into which a wealth of comedy has been introduced by the author, Marriott Edgar, with Walter Passmore, the famous Savoyard comedian, and a half-dozen other popular fun-makers controlling its mirth. Rosie Reys, Grace Gordon, and Maudie Francis head the cast on the ladies side. The scenes are laid in France, and at home, and embrace many charming ensembles and novel effects. Musically "Follow the Flag" has been tunefully treated by Herman Darewski, Chas. Cowlrick, and Harold Robe. (Sheffield Independent - Friday 11 May 1917)

Two performances nightly. Tues. wed. and Saturday at 1.30. Gigantic national revue Powerful cast including Walter Passmore. (Newecastle Daily Chronicle - Monday 21 May 1917)

A gigantic national revue in 10 gorgeous scenes The Super Spectacular Revue Powerful Company featuring Walter Passmore, Leo Ray A superb Beauty Chorus of 60 Those who saw the remarkable scenic and artistic effects evolved in the "Tulip" and "Flag" scenes and the Scottish "Gathering of the Clan" scene in "Razzledazzle" will need no further confirmation as to William J. Wilson's inventiveness - the mastermind that now presents "Follow the Flag." A surpassing feast of music, artistic splendour and spectacle. Music by the musical genius Herman Darewski, augmented orchestra. Patriotism without jingoism. "Follow the Flag" whilst essentially a patriotic spectacular production, repleted with glittering pageantry does not descend to jingoism. It is an imperial spectacle. Blended with a wealth of comedy. Some press opinions The revue is super gorgeous. (Liverpool Post) Bang up to date in its conceptions. (Liverpool Express) A huge success. (News of the World) (Daily Record - Monday 28 May 1917) (Daily Record - Monday 28 May 1917)

"Follow the Flag" has achieved such a striking success here that it has been retained for a second week. With Walter Passmore in the cast, it is well supported. (The Stage - Thursday 07 June 1917)

Twice nightly 6.45 and 9pm. A Gigantic National Revue Cast includes: Walter Passmore, Rosie Reys, Maudie Francis, Wilson James, Sid Moorhouse, Leo Ray, Chorus of 60.(Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette - Wednesday 20 June 1917)

Twice nightly 6.45 & 9pm A Gigantic National Revue. Powerful cast including Walter Passmore, Rosie Reys, Maudie Francis, William James, Leo Ray. (Evening Despatch - Monday 25 June 1917)

"Follow the Flag" the elaborately staged and interestingly patriotic revue, has a great reception here this week. Among the excellent single turns special mention should be made of that of Dorothy Storm, a double-voiced vocalist, Ernesto, musical juggler, and Elsie Prince, clever juvenile performer, also do well. (The Stage - Thursday 28 June 1917)